Spring 2024
CDN Pub Agreement #40012883
Contents
Feature Articles
•Spring 2024 •Volume 34 •Issue 1
Cover photo Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK
President’s Message ............................................8 Office Report .........................................................9 Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC News ................10 Man/Sask Gelbvieh Association News ..............12 Lonesome Dove Finds Success at Agribition ..........................................16 Gelbvieh On The Global Stage ...........................24 Advancing Reproductive Efficiency and Stress Management in Beef Heifers .............................38 Show & Sale results ...........................................40 AD Index ..............................................................52
19
BREED GELBVIEH FROM THE COMMERCIAL PERSPECTIVE PART II
26
JUNIOR INCENTIVE WISHLIST PURCHASE TO ORB MISS WORLD - COLBY HOLLMAN’S SENSATION
30 GELBVIEH IS THE IDEAL 34 CHOICE FOR THIS
TOWERVIEW TAKES THEIR FEEDING TO NEW HEIGHTS
SASKATCHEWAN FAMILY
Events & Notice of AGM......................................53
Lost N Found Livestock, Breton AB
The official publication of the
Canadian Gelbvieh Association
5160 Skyline Way NE Calgary AB T2E 6V1 P: (403) 250-8640 Email: gelbvieh@gelbvieh.ca
www.gelbvieh.ca GG Spring 2024 Page 5
Canadian Board of Directors PRESIDENT Eddie Marsman
25032 Twp. RD 274 Red Deer County AB T0M 0V0 403-588-1400 eddie@hillsdowncontractingltd.onmicrosoft.com
VICE PRESIDENT Bev Milne
Box 1573 Fairview AB T0H 1L0 780-835-2645 milneranch@live.ca
DIRECTORS Lorna Okell Box 627 Duchess AB T0J 0Z0 403-501-1019 jenty@eidnet.org
Cody Congdon
Box 366 Bashaw AB T0B 0H0 403-350-5791 rockytopgelbvieh@hotmail.com
Kirk Hurlburt
Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC Reps President Darrell Hickman
RR #1 Sundre AB T0M 1X0 780-581-4510 darrell.ddhickman@gmail.com
Secretary Malory Parrish
193018 TWP RD 544 BOX 933 Lamont, AB T0B 2R0 780-289-0294 gelbviehassocabbc@gmail.com
ManSask Gelbvieh Association Reps President Ian Thackeray
Box 1002 Weyburn SK S4H 2L0 306-861-7687 tgfis@sasktel.net
Secretary Cynthia Wirgau
Box 25 Narcisse MB R0C 2H0 204-278-3255 mansaskgelbvieh@gmail.com
Box 3 Site 206 RR2 Saskatoon SK S7K 3J5 306-222-8210 hurlburtlivestock@sasktel.net
Duncan Pearson
Box 589 Calmar AB T0C 0V0 780-220-5730 pearsongrainandcattle@gmail.com
Cody Girling
515 6th AVE Dunmore AB T1B 0J9 403-928-1923 cgirling1983@gmail.com
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The Gelbvieh Guide is mailed out to purchasers of Gelbvieh cattle when registration certificates are transfered; the seller of the animal for a registration certificate when you purchase a Gelbvieh animal. To be added to our mailing list contact the CGA office. Domestic subscription is $26.25 and International subscription is $50.00.
Canadian Gelbvieh Association gelbvieh@gelbvieh.ca 403-250-8640 Page 6 GG Spring 2024
GG Spring 2024 Page 7
President’s Message Eddie Marsman Happy New Year Everyone. Another year has flown by. As we grow older, time seems to be speeding up. We can contemplate whether that’s fair or not, but at least I’m never bored. In November I was able to attend Agribition in Regina after having missed Farmfair for the first time in years due to work related issues. In Regina I attended the AGM for the Canadian Beef Breeds Council, where I was honored to be elected onto the board of directors for the CBBC. My main goal in this position is to be able to better represent our breed and several others (what is generally known as “the smaller breeds”, for lack of a better term). It is my thought that being on the forefront of changes that are coming will help me serve our members, and the members of the other breeds, by being better informed and by being at the leading edge of new developments affecting our industry and livelyhoods. The Gelbvieh show at Agribition was a great and very well organized event. I enjoyed every minute of it, and congratulations to the Man/Sask Gelbvieh Association for putting on a great affair. Also congratulations to all the exhibitors. You guys make Gelbvieh look great! The Man/Sask Association was even brave enough to let me man their booth for a day or two. I thoroughly enjoyed being there, had a lot of great conversations and met a lot of new people as well. Thanks so much for having me. After that it was time for Wishlist and the Canadian
Feeding time at Jen-Ty Gelbviehs, Duchess AB Page 8 GG Spring 2024
Gelbvieh People’s Choice Bull Futurity. This was once again a top notch event, both the sale and the Futurity. Kudos to the Alberta/BC Gelbvieh Association and the Futurity Board for putting on such a successful and well attended event. In December my friend Don Okell from Jen-Ty Gelbviehs and myself put on our adventure shoes, hooked up the stocktrailer and traveled to Hartney, Manitoba for the JSJ dispersal sale. The sale went well, and it was a lot of fun to be part of the socializing afterwards. I would like to wish our past President James Jasper, Shayla, and the boys nothing but the best with their future endeavours. Thank you for your hospitality. Also in December, Sue and I took a trip to Hawaii. We made a side trip to the island of Kauai, and met with some ranchers and livestock producers there. We got the grand tour, got to see places that regular tourists probably never get to see. Look elsewhere in this issue of Gelbvieh Guide for a report on our excursion on Kauai. On a personal note, I am pleased to announce that Sue and I got married on the beach in Honolulu. And with all that, it is now time to start looking towards bull sale season. Catalogs will start hitting mailboxes pretty soon, so you can start figuring out which bull will work for your program. I’m planning to attend a few sales as time allows, and hope to see some of you there! In the meantime, I would like to wish everyone happy and troublefree calving, and try to stay warm. We’ve been spoiled here in Central Alberta with a mild winter so far, but at the time of writing this, the forecast is calling for minus 40 by Thursday night.
Office Report Sarah Van Schothorst
I continued to attend Gelbvieh events throughout the fall show and sale season. Farmfair was well attended with spectators coming to view the Gelbvieh genetics on display. It was a good turnout for the National Gelbvieh show. Congratulations to all the exhibitors. Although I wasn’t able to attend Agribition this year, I watched the DLMS live feed. It was well attended including the Australian visitors that came over to take in the Western culture and invest in Canadian genetics. During Agribition, CGA president Eddie Marsman, attended the Canadian Beef Breeds Council AGM, running for their board of directors. Congratulations to Eddie for being elected to be one of the representatives for the breed associations in our section. The Wish List weekend and Canadian People’s Choice Bull Futurity had many consignors and entries. It was really great to see the junior involvement throughout the weekend with juniors entering bulls in the Futurity and multiple juniors purchasing show prospects at the sale. We have received all partnering contribitions into the Female Foundation project required to submit the project proposal for funding. I will continue working with Livestock Gentec to get this completed and scoring should start in 2024. We also received a sponsorship from Allflex for all of the TSUs required to complete the 100K testing on enrolled females. This was a $3000 value. DNA testing continues to increase and more herds are becoming fully DNA tested. I think this speaks to the
value of pedigree confirmation and added accuracy to EPDs when people are investing in genetics to influence their operation. As bull sale is approaching I encourage members to submit their DNA ahead of schedule. The lab has maintained a 21 day turnaround but please leave room for any samples that may need to be retested or have alternate parents tested as well. The CGA looks forward to revamping some of our highway trailers as budgeting allows going into 2024. We have discontinued the trailer at Tilley, AB as it was the first trailer we put up and it has run its course there. We look to put up a new full size trailer at Maple Creek, SK and will continue looking to get the best value for our advertising dollars spent on these trailers. Cooperative advertising continued in the fall and into bull sale season. A number of members were able to take advantage of collective advertising rates in various industry publications. As long as participation continues, the opportunities will continue. I encourage members to take a look at the banner advertising option on the CGA website, gelbvieh.ca. The cost is $250 for the year and is linked to a site or document of the advertisers choice (ex. Facebook page, website, bull sale catalog). Viewers can click on the banner and be taken directly to this link. The CGA board of directors meets almost monthy. We will be having another in person meeting this spring in Calgary. If at any time you have feedback, questions, concerns please submit them in writing to a CGA board member or to the CGA staff. Hope to see everyone at the AGM in Stettler on July 27. Happy New Year, all the best for calving season.
GG Spring 2024 Page 9
Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC News Darrell Hickman
The beautiful weather has come to an end and we find ourselves getting into the thick of calving for many of our membership. I wish you all the best with bringing new life into the Gelbvieh gene pool, and hope that it is an easy year as things roll along across Western Canada. Bull sale catalogs will be popping up soon and the excitement of aligning the next steps are upon us! I wish you the best in your continued efforts to support the industry moving forward. I would also like to thank the membership for the continued support of the association, and the efforts to continually put our best foot forward. A first class event was held at the Wishlist, with a tremendous set of cattle and people in attendance! The donation heifer generously donated from Chuck and Jen at Flatland Ranch was well received, thank you so much again! The bull futurity was once again a flagship event for our entire North American industry! It has provided a great example that many others have followed, adopted and incorporated into their various events across several breeds! We are very
fortunate to have the privilege to be a part of something so beneficial and local! Thanks again to everyone who helped carry off the event and supported with memberships and engagement. As we progress into 2024, we are fortunate to have the Ness family graciously donate the next donation heifer. On behalf of the entire membership we genuinely thank each and every one of you who continue to selflessly contribute and step up to lead each and every year! The Canadian National Junior Show will also be held in Alberta this year, and I can’t encourage you enough to attend and see first hand the juniors in action! It will be a stellar event with many opportunities to meet new people and establish networks. As well, the many bull sales being held throughout Western Canada over the next few months will also be a great connection point and the attendance is appreciated by the hosts. I hope to see many of you out and about, and all the best in 2024!
Olds Auction Mart - Olds, Alberta
March 14 - 15, 2024
GELBVIEH BULL SALE
Dayspring Cattle
Dan & Marilyn Nielsen 403-887-4971 info@dayspringcattle.com dayspringcattle.com
Cowlick Ranch
Ryan & Dylana Kary 403-556-5508 cowlickranch121@gmail.com
Stone Gate Farms
Darrell & Leila Hickman 780-581-4510 darrell.ddhickman@gmail.com
Unger Land & LivestockLoren & Karen Unger 403-994-1211 lorenunger@gmail.com
7T Cattle
Adam Nielsen 403-588-9281 adam@dayspringcattle.com
Online @ Rosehill Auction Services | www.oldsauction.com Page 10 GG Spring 2024 CommonGround_GG2024.indd 1
2024-01-15 12:16 PM
GAABC Commercial Breeder of the Year Section 07 Ranch, established in 1986 in the Peace Country of Alberta. The ranch overlooks the beautiful Peace River valley near Watino. Normand Cloutier was born and raised two miles from his current ranch. His parents, George and Germaine, had a herd of commercial Charolais cattle. Normand purchased 320 acres at the age of 16, where he began to develop his ranch. At the age of 21, Normand bought 120 of his father’s cows when he decided to retire. Today, Norm has been successful in expanding his ranch to include 400 head of generational Red Angus-influenced cows that run with the purebred Gelbvieh bulls, all privately held over 2,400 acres. Norm is very proud of the calf crop produced each year; recent calves are some of the best that he has raised. Norm runs the ranch with his youngest daughter, Shawna, owner of her own Red/Black Angus influenced herd, running with purebred Gelbvieh bulls. Normand’s eldest daughter and granddaughter, Josee and Wynri, reside near Westlock, lending a hand when they can. The family working alongside one another to build the legacy to pass on to future generations. When asked, why cattle? “The ranch will always be home. Nothing like the peace of the Peace Country and having pride in our accomplishments proven by the standard of cattle produced by Section 07 Ranch.” -Normand Cloutier
GG Spring 2024 Page 11
ManSask Gelbvieh Association News Cynthia Wirgau Happy New Year! 2023 was a great year for the Association. We unveiled our new booth at Agribition. Thank you to Maureen Tubman for getting this put together, along with a new logo. Ian Thackeray spearheaded the project of getting new cups for the booth. They have been distributed amongst members to put in their local auction marts or use at their sales. Contact Ian if you are interested in a sleeve of cups. Our AGM was held in Moose jaw on December 9. 20 members attended and enjoyed the luncheon. There were no changes to the board of directors. President Ian Thackeray, Vice President Braylen Blake, Secretary/ Treasurer Cynthia Wirgau, directors Eileen Davidson, Brett Spray, Neil Overby, Ryan Zalinko, and Maureen Tubman. The day ended with the excitement of the fun auction. $4000 was brought in. Thank you for all the donated items, and purchased. Thank you to the Rosso family for your huge support and Will Rosso for auctioning. Thank you to Hurlburt Livestock for donating this years donation heifer. A total of $8530 in donations was received. Winner of this heifer was Overby Stock Farms. This year at Agribition we saw 64 head of Gelbvieh and
JML Farms, Lamont AB Page 12 GG Spring 2024 Page 12 GG Spring 2024
Balancer walk through the ring for Kelly Howe to evaluate. 13 exhibitors came from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, North Dakota, Washington and Australia. Special thank you to Blair Bentz for being barn boss, Ed Marsman for manning the booth for a couple days, and to all our sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors and spectators that make the show such a huge success. A pizza party was held after the show, sponsored by the CGA, providing a great opportunity for breeders to visit. Results from the Gelbvieh and Junior shows are recorded in this issue. Congratulations to Lonesome Dove Ranch for being named the 2023 Purebred Breeder of the Year Award winner. Commercial Breeder of the Year Award went to Kurtis & Celine Hicks. This year we handed out 36 breed tokens to 4-H members, and supported a variety of junior shows in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Anyone interested in hosting the Man Sask field day, please contact Ian or Cynthia. Good luck with calving and your upcoming bull sales. Wishing everyone all the best in 2024!
Thank you BLUFF ISLAND STOCK FARM DIAMOND Z LIVESTOCK FIR RIVER LIVESTOCK FLADELAND LIVESTOCK JONUS CATTLE CO LCF GELBVIEH LONESOME DOVE RANCH P&R CATTLE CO OVERBY STOCK FARM NUTRIEN AG SOLUCTIONS RPS GELBVIEH MAPLE GROVE GELBVIEH TRIPLE S CATTLE COMPANY RY TRAIL VET SERVICES THACKERAY LAND & CATTLE TWIN VIEW LIVESTOCK JSJ LIVESTOCK BAR GR GELBVIEH COWLICK RANCH MEMORY FARM GELBVIEH PRAIRIE GELBVIEH ALLIANCE LEDGERWOOD GELBVIEH BRAYLEN BLAKE GELBVIEH WADE DAVIDSON
Major Show Sponsors
CBBC Report: Sandy Russell, CEO
The Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) recently held their 29th Annual General Meeting in Regina, Saskatchewan during Canadian Western Agribition with over fifty members and industry stakeholders in attendance. During the meeting the CBBC membership elected new Directors Eddie Marsman, current President of the Canadian Gelbvieh Association and Andy Schuepbach, a current Director of the Canadian Hereford Association to the Board and re-elected for another term Kevin Blair, Marlin Leblanc, Rod McLeod, Scott Severtson and Shawn Wilson. They join currently serving Directors Ken Friesen, Dennis Serhienko, David Sibbald and Brett Wildman to comprise the 2023/24 CBBC Board of Directors. At their recent Board of Directors meeting, the Directors re-elected David Sibbald as Chair of the CBBC Board. David owns and operates Triple S Red Angus with his family west of Calgary and is in his fourth and final year serving as Chair. Joining David on the Executive is Shawn Wilson as 1st Vice Chair and Marlin Leblanc as 2nd Vice Chair. The Directors also elected Ken Friesen as Finance Chair with Kevin Blair and Shawn Wilson joining Ken on the Finance Committee.
CBBC wants to acknowledge and sincerely thank retiring Directors Amanda (Matthews) Fileccia, Hal Nixdorff and Graham McLean for their contributions to the CBBC Board. “There is significant time and energy that Directors volunteer to CBBC in their time serving on the Board,” explains Sandy Russell, CBBC Chief Executive Officer, “and we greatly appreciate all the contributions that Amanda, Hal and Graham have provided to CBBC.” “On behalf of the CBBC membership, I want to personally thank Amanda, Hal and Graham for their guidance, input and support that they provided to our organization while serving as Directors in recent years,” acknowledges Chair, David Sibbald. “CBBC continues to play an important role in the Canadian beef industry and I look forward to working with this new group of Directors and our CEO to continue to advance the goals of our organization.” The Canadian Beef Breeds Council works on behalf of its members to support the Canadian seedstock sector, promote Canadian beef cattle genetics both domestically and internationally, and represent the seedstock producers by advocating effective policy, meaningful market access and enhanced competitiveness.
GG Spring 2024 Page 15
Lonesome Dove Ranch finds success at Agribition
By Melissa Jeffers-Bezan
Tara and Ross Davidson and their family came away from Agribition with wins on several fronts. On November 23, their Lonesome Dove Ranch was named the 2023 Purebred Breeder of the Year by the Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association. “It’s quite an honour that the other breeders nominated us and recognize the work we put into promoting the Gelbvieh breed,” Ross said in an interview. Tara said one pillar of their operation is breeding functional cattle, something that has become more important amid the current drought.” “We haven’t had to downsize our herd due to drought and I think part of that is because our catttle are funcational. They’re able to thrive even when Mother Nature has not exactly been playing fair with us the last few years,” she said. “I love that they are such good moms.... they want to be moms, they’re easy going, really easy calving, good moms, so that really I think is the highlight for myself. Tara said winning the award was a surprise. “We’re passionate about the Gelbvieh breed and we’re really fortunate,” she said. “We’re actually raising fourth-generation purebred Gelbvieh breeders. So it’s a breed that’s worked for our family for decades and for generations and something that our children are passionate about too.”
“It felt pretty good,” he said. “I don’t win a lot, so it felt different.” He said next year the winning female will form part of his planned 4-H pair entry. “She’ll go on and raise some good calves.” Ash and his two brothers continued to show cattle at Agribition following the Gelbvieh show, with all three representing their ranch in the BMO Junior Beef Extreme on Nov. 25. Ross also competed in the Ranch Rodeo Nov. 24, with his team Mankota Stockman’s Weigh Company. They won the title for the third straight year. For Ross, Agribition isn’t just about cattle shows or competing in the ranch rodeo. It’s about the connections they make while doing it all. “Agribition has done a very good job of bringing the people to us,” Ross said. “And that’s the most important part, so we can connect with our clients, connect with the news and upcoming cattlemen, the old cattlemen, all so we can do business going forward.” This story was produced by staff of GlacierFarmMedia.
The passion is evident in their son, Ash, whose 4-H heifer won reserve grand champion female in the Gelbvieh show on Nov. 22, behind a cow-calf pair exhibited by Royal Western Gelbvieh of Red Deer. Ash said he’s been showing cattle since he was five and was shocked to have won reserve grand champion female. Page 16 GG Spring 2024
Ash Davidson, CJGA member, with his 4-H heifer Reserve Grand Champion Female at the Gelbvieh Show
Left to Right: Cameron, Ash, Tara, Flynn, Ross & Jaime Davidson, with ManSask Director Ryan Zalinko
Lonesome Dove Ranch has a herd of purebred red and black Gelbvieh as well as a large Gelbvieh influenced commercial herd. Together with Ross’s parents Vern and Eileen Davidson they host an annual yearling Gelbvieh bull sale every March. Tara is also a content creator for agricultural publications and social media. The ranch has also diversified into marketing farm fresh bulk beef. Congratulations to Lonesome Dove Ranch. Canadian Gelbvieh genetics were well represented at the 118th National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, USA held January 8th, 2024 in the Open Gelbvieh Show with Davidson Gelbvieh and Lonesome Dove Ranch both of Ponteix, Saskatchewan Canada exhibiting.
DVE Davidson Pizzazz 122K Born February 24, 2022, a son of DVE Davidson Cornstone 136D
DVE Davidson Brew 97L Born February 14, 2023, a son of DVE Davidson Hisgift 166F
DRT Lonesome Sapphire Jewel 3L, exhibited by Lonesome Dove Ranch, of Ponteix, SK, was awarded the Reserve Grand Champion Purebred Gelbvieh Female in the Open Gelbvieh Show at the 2024 National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO. Cameron Davidson also won Reserve Grand Champion Gelbvieh Junior Breeding Heifer in the Junior Show. GG Spring 2024 Page 17
19
He Sells!
He Sells!
BNH DIRT ROAD ANTHEM 12K ET 2023 National Champion Balancer Bull 2022 Farmfair Reserve Balancer Bull
BNH DREAM KATCHER 1K 2023 Reserve National Champion Gelbvieh Bull Showed along side the 2022 Farmfair Champion Female
Sons sell!
son sells!
DL JEN-TY HOT STUFF 550H 2023 Canadian National Champion Female 2023 ORB Miss World Brad, Nicole, Colby, Kaden, Lincoln & Austin Hollman Red Deer County, AB 403-896-8851 or 403-588-3916 www.bnhlivestock.ca
AWB TWIN VIEW PENDELTON 21J
Brittain Farms
Kelly & Colleen Brittain Falun, AB 780-387-6446 www.brittainfarms.com
Breed Gelbvieh
From The Commercial Perspective Part II Sarah Van Schothorst, BSc
British Columbia Anne and Phil Bell from High Country Acres, Charlie Lake BC are raising 175 commercial Angus x Gelbvieh cows with a handful of Hereford x Angus cows as well. All of the cows are bred to Gelbvieh bulls. The cattle are managed on silage bales and mixed hay bales during the winter. Hay fields and bush pasture are grazed during the warmer months. Calves are sold in the fall. Retained replacement heifers and bull calves are fed over winter along with a few steer calves for customers. Anne and Phil have a Swiss neighbour using Gelbvieh and they saw how productive and quiet the breed was. They originally purchased bulls from Milne’s Gelbvieh and that is how the Gelbvieh influence in the herd started. For a couple of seasons they tried Hereford bulls but with too many calving issues decided to go back to Gelbvieh. Black Angus bulls are also used occasionally to keep the Balancer ratio in the commercial herd. Anne said “The Gelbvieh ladies just flat out know how to raise a calf and the docility and longevity is an added bonus.”
Jennifer Bell with her steer Jim Beattie
The mothering ability, milk production, growth in our market calves, docility, fertility, and longevity are all of the traits Anne appreciates in the herd since adding Gelbvieh. The docile nature makes the herd easy to work with. With easy keeping cows having better feed ef ficiency than the straight Angus cows, coupled with Balancer calves w e a n i n g h e a v i e r, G e l b v i e h h a s i n c r e a s e d profitability of our operation. Anne and Phil’s daughter, Jennifer Bell, has also had success with her Gelbvieh influence 4-H projects. Jennifer is a member of the Silver Willow 4-H club. Her steer, “Jim Beattie”, who was named for Hudson’s Hope pionner, was crowned Grand Champion steer at the 2022 Achievement Day. Jim Beattie, a 75% Balancer, had a final weight of 1386lbs and won first in the heavy weight class. GG Spring 2024 Page 19
Alberta Chad and Olivia Koziak of Koziak Land and Cattle, located in Star, AB, is a mixed grain and cattle operation. They are currently farming 2600 acres of cropland and running 80 purebred Gelbvieh and 50 commercial cows alongside Larry and Colleen Koziak. The cattle operation has made many changes since bringing in the Gelbvieh influence, not only with the introduction of purebreds but also with the development of the commercial herd to be more uniform and highly productive. The herd is paired with homozygous polled purebred bulls, which have been selected to increase the desired traits on the commercial herd as well as match the direction they are taking the purebred seed stock. With the Gelbvieh influence, they have retained more commercial females over the years, taking those desired traits and utilizing them to their full potential. They have seen an increase in milk production and maternal proclivity in the replacement heifers, docility in the herd overall, and an explosive rate of gain in the calf crop. The positive traits that come from the Gelbvieh genetics start right at calving time; Olivia said “ We believe a “low -ma in ten a n ce herd” approac h , wi t h calving ease, n ot on ly ma kes ca lv i n g t i me l es s s t r es s ful for us as prod uc er s b ut for t he cow/ calf p air s themselves. We have seen our c ow s c al ve w i t h eas e, an d c al ves b on d w i t h t hei r m ot h er s quick ly, gettin g tha t essen tia l f i r s t n ur s e fas ter t h at s t ar t s t h ei r d evel opmen t a n d g row th .” The crossbred replacement heifers they select are chosen based on skeletal makeup, udder quality, feet and temperament. This allows them to take advantage of the hybrid vigour pairing the Gelbvieh with other breeds, highlighting yet again the benefits Gelbvieh genetics bring to the table. Chad and Olivia are fortunate to have their pastures close to home and they can observe the herds throughout the breeding season; the summer and fall, allowing them to see the growth in the calves. When the cattle come home in the fall, calves are weaned at an average of 700lbs, and once the selection of the replacement pen is done, they then background calves before heading to auction. The winter feed program is a total mix ration compiled of corn silage, barley straw, and homegrown hay. For Koziak Land and Cattle, the move to using Gelbvieh meant taking the herd from being strictly performance-based to one of balance of maternal and growth characteristics with the added benefit of docility and longevity.
Ontario
Janet Edwards has been breeding Gelbvieh since 1994 in Ontario. She was twenty years old and looking for a breed to get into. There were very few Gelbvieh in Ontario at that time and she liked the maternal traits and temperament of the breed. Today near Cobden, Janet runs 75 cows, many of them ranging from 75% Gelbvieh to purebred Gelbvieh. She purchased some Red Angus heifers to keep as replacements. The cows are grazed on pasture for the summer and during the winter they are fed dry hay. Once the cows calve, they get red clover wrapped baleage and corn silage. Replacement heifers are fed wrapped baleage and corn silage over winter. In September steer calves are sold and around 15-20 heifers are retained for potential replacements. Janet said, “T h e h eifer s ma ke bea utiful cows t h at h ave l ot s of mi l k an d t h ey ar e eas y to h a n d l e. T he m ilk ing ability of the breed in cr eas es wean i n g wei gh t s an d t h er efor e prof i t abi l i t y” Page 20 GG Spring 2024
Yukon First time cattle owner, Gail Reiderer of Whitehorse, Yukon has 11 Gelbvieh cows and 1 Gelbvieh bull. She decided to get into the Gelbvieh breed when she heard a former cattle rancher in town singing the breed’s praises. Research was done and she decided to give them a try. Heart Bar Ranch drove 22 hours south to High Prairie, Alberta to purchase 2 cows and 1 bull from Bar GR Gelbvieh to begin building a herd in 2014. She runs her cow/calf operation on brome grass pastures in the summer and she grows oat green feed for winter. The Gelbvieh’s are good natured, maternal, hardy. The Gelbvieh breed has thrived in the far northern territory of the Yukon. Gail said, “I appreciate the cutability and quality of the carcasses.” We have had many happy customers, as we butcher all steers and cull animals, and sell our meat to local people in the territory.
Alberta
Purebred Gelbvieh Bull
Simmental cross calf
Solid Simmental cross calf from original Simmental pinto cow
Henry Roy from HMR Gelbvieh, Yellowhead County AB runs a cow/calf operation that was started when his parents bought the farm in 1953. The base cow herd at the time was Hereford and Charolais but later transitioned to Simmental. In the fall of 1989 his Dad purchased two bulls from Mo-Roc Gelbvieh when they were looking for some hybrid vigour. At the time the breed was chosen because of the fertility, milking ability and butterfat content in the milk. The Gelbvieh breed brought good muscle pattern to the calves quarters and a nice wide topline. Henry has appreciated that these traits have carried through their herd to today. Their cattle are managed on a forage diet, running on grass pasture in the summer and fed silage bales with some added dry hay in the winter. Calves are sold at 6-7 months old in October/November with an average weaning weight of 660lbs across the board. Henry said “The Gelbvieh breed is versatile. It crosses well with all breeds and the added hybrid vigour in the calves increases profitability.” Gelbvieh has adapted and added profitability to their operation over the many years. Gelbvieh brought HMR consistency in color. They consistently produced solid red calves with blaze faces and it worked well for marketing their feeder calves. The same feeder has purchased their calves since 1985 and have appreciated the performance and power in the calves. Feeders are demanding performance and power becuase it equates to cutability and profitability. Henry said, “ Wh en it c om e s to sellin g feeder ca lve s th e ol d sayi ng o f bi gger i s better a ppl i es r ig ht n ow. I t i s w h at t h e fe eder a n d pa cker a re a f ter i n today’ s ma rket. T h e onl y way to get th er e i s p e r forma nce a nd not a sol e foc u s on c a l vi ng ea se. ” GG Spring 2024 Page 21
New Brunswick
Kevin and Patti Budd from Limestone, New Brunswick run Katahdin View Farms. The commercial herd is all bred and developed in house from their Seed stock herd of approximately 200 breeding age females which are currently about 75% Red Angus, 10% Black Angus and 15% Gelbvieh. Our commercial herd is all F1 Angus and Red Angus crossed with Gelbvieh. We fluctuate between 100 and 150 breeding age F1 females depending on the demand for replacement females from our commercial customers. We have a higher demand for F1 females than purebreds so that is the market we focus on developing. Any replacement females that don’t live up to their expectations or come up open are fed out, slaughtered locally, and direct marketed. They feed almost exclusively a round bale haylage based diet during the winter and extend their grazing system as long as possible into the fall with stockpiled forage and annual cover crops. This has allowed them to extend the grazing season for a month or more depending on the amount of snow on the ground in late November and into December. Their bulls are selected based on above average EPDs for calving ease, carcass quality and fleshing ability/residual feed intake. They do not chase higher weaning or yearling weights because they believe this comes at the expense of higher cow maintenance costs, reduced feed efficiency and can impact reproduction negatively. Kevin explained that their goal when they began farming was to focus on the market for commercial breeding females so they chose to produce F1 females for this market. To produce the F1s they wanted a British breed crossed with a Exotic or mainland European breed. Red Angus and Gelbvieh were chosen as the base for the commercial herd based on the merits of the breeds and the fact that they were both under represented in the Atlantic provinces beef herd. This gave them a unique cross. Kevin explained “ The Gelbvieh breed offered us an exotic cross that brought with it the strengths we were looking for such as hybrid vigor when crossed with Angus, strong maternal values with respect to mothering ability, docility, early maturity and reproductive efficiency. What we like best in our program is the good growth we can achieve in heifer development, early puberty which allows us to be consistent in having well developed heifers calve at 24 months of age.” For all the reasons noted above the Gelbvieh breed has helped Katahdin View develop a niche market to cater Page 22 GG Spring 2024
to the needs of commercial Maritime cattlemen who, like most places in the country, operate small herds usually in the 20 to 30 cow range. To these producers they can offer an alternative to keeping their own replacements by rotating their bulls and possibly the breed of bull every couple of years. Instead they can sell all their calves and purchase cows or heifers that the Budd’s have developed for them, usually at prices cheaper than they can develop their own replacements. As such they have a group of repeat customers that will purchase from one to five replacements each year, which has added to the profitability of their operation.
Cows grazing annual mixture cover crop in August
SIRED BY
NYK Evolve 7G
SLC Strut 146E
OSF Strut 15j Grand Champion Balancer Bull at Agribition brothers sell
GG Spring 2024 Page 23
Gelbvieh on the Global Stage “The “Champion of the World” Competition was founded in 2012 to promote awareness, goodwill and trade between and within cattle producing countries around the world by PJ Budler of Texas. In 2023, over 1,950 entries from 95 countries representing 16 different breeds were evaluated by 42 different judges.
The World Champions receive their awards and prizes at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (Hereford), Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Beefmaster/Droughtmaster, Braford, Brahman, Brangus, Santa Gertrudis and Simbrah), at the European Wagyu Gala (Wagyu) and at FarmFair International (Angus, Charolais, Galloway, Hereford, Limousin, ORB, Shorthorn, Simmental and Speckle Park). In January every year, the “All Breeds World Supreme” is selected from the previous year’s 32 (16 females and 16 bulls) world champions. This award is given at FarmFair International during the Alberta Supreme. The ORB (Other Registered Breeds) - Champion of the World competition started in 2018. Judges are represented from 4 different geographic areas (South America, Asia/Africa, Europe and North America), with the specific country rotating each year.
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The winners of the national or most prestigious show in each country are used to represent their nation. Some countries submit the highest priced individuals on auctions as well. A lot of countries just have the association (society) or individual breeders submit entries. From 2018 to 2023 there have been 3 animals crowned World Champions from North America. There have been 8 Canadian Regional Champions. In 2019 AWB Twin View Mayweather 39F ET from Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK was crowned Champion of North America. In 2020 AWB Twin View Sugar 26F from Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg AB was crowned Miss North America & Miss World. KHR Grizzly Red 39F also from Twin View Livestock was crowned Champion of North America & Champion of the World. In 2021 AWB Twin View Sugar 26F from Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK was crowned Miss North America. Fladeland Gronk 23G ET from Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar SK was crowned Champion of North America. In 2023 DL Jen-Ty Hot Stuff 550H from Colby Hollman, Red Deer County AB. was crowned Miss North America & Miss World. AWB Twin View Bold Ruler 20K ET was crowned Champion of North America and awarded Bronze in the World Champion competition.
Junior Incentive Wishlist Purchase to ORB Miss World – Colby Hollman’s Sensation Gail Anderson & Nicole Hollman (photos)
In 2020, 12-year-old Colby Hollman won the GAA/BC Gelbvieh Wish List Junior Incentive Purse, donated by various breeders. Unable to attend the sale that year due to COVID, he browsed through the catalogue and chose DL Jen-Ty Hot Stuff 550H, consigned by Jen-Ty Gelbvieh. Luckily, his parents were able to purchase her on his behalf, while he watched online at home. When she arrived home, he fell in love. She was to become his 4-H Project in the Kneehill Valley Beef 4-H Club, where for two years in a row, she won Grand Champion Female with calf at side.
Fancy heifer consigned by Jen-Ty Gelbvieh Fall 2020
Inspired by his Mom’s early desire to become an Animal Health Technician and then a Veterinarian, Colby decided in Grade 8 that he wanted to become a Veterinarian! He is passionate about large animals and sees a real need for Large Animal Veterinarians. Presently, in Grade 10, he is doing an Introduction to Veterinarian Medicine course through Olds College, as well as the Green Certificate Program, which he feels will enhance his chances of being selected into Veterinary Medicine in the future.
Heifer at Knehill Valley 4-H Achievement Day 2021 Page 26 GG Spring 2024
First calf (Kneehill Grand Champion 2022)
Second calf (Kneehill Grand Champion 2023)
Colby’s show career with Hot Stuff did not stop at 4-H. Colby is a board member of the newly re-energized Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Association. In both 2022 and 2023, he and his sensational female, with calf at side, were the Supreme Champions at the Canadian National Junior Gelbvieh Show. These wins gave him the opportunity to enter into the UFA Youth Supreme Quest at the Canadian National Junior All Breeds Heifer Show in Bashaw, Alberta. In 2023, Hot Stuff, along with her heifer calf, Hot Damn, were honoured to receive the title Reserve Champion Purebred Mature Female. Our youth are our breed’s strength, so thank you Colby for moving the Gelbvieh breed into the spotlight.
CJGA National Show 2022
CJGA National Show 2023
CNJ All-Breeds Show 2023
Farmfair 2022
Farmfair 2023
Farmfair 2023 in the Supreme Competition
Success for Colby doesn’t stop here. He and his fabulous female were qualified to take part in the Supreme Championship at Agribition, but due to the many farm commitments, they were not able to attend. Winning at Farmfair also qualified them automatically to be entered into the Champions of the World ORB (Other Registered Breeds) Competition. Not only did Hot Stuff, with Hot Damn at side, take the North American Division, but Hot Stuff was also crowned with the prestigious title of Miss World for 2023. Colby is hoping that his amazing purchase at the Wish List Sale, in 2020, will help pay for his degree in Veterinary Medicine. And let’s just say that Hot Stuff’s first calf, BNHC Krakatoa 11K, will be his first pay cheque. Krakatoa sired by JRI Secretariat 285E78, was entered into the 2023 Bull Futurity in December and he was in the top 6 bulls selected by Gelbvieh breeders. Kraken will sell in the Gelbvieh Advantage Bull Sale on March 8-9th, 2024 (DLMS Farm Gate Timed Auction), where you can bid from all over the world. (Continued on page 28)
GG Spring 2024 Page 27
Miss World
BNHC Krakatoa 11K
What amazing accomplishments thus far for this young man, and in my interview to complete this article I asked him for his words of wisdom for all of the young Gelbvieh enthusiasts. In conclusion Colby said, “It may be hard to recognize at that time, but the small moments are the ones that matter the most, as they are how you can overcome the obstacles of life. In the end, your hard work, determination and perseverance will drive you to succeed.”
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PEOPLE’S CHOICE BULL FUTURITY Aaron Birch
AWB Twin View Undisputed 20L ET Canadian Gelbvieh Bull Futurity Champion & Winner’s Choice
CLR Leo 5L Canadian Bull Futurity Reserve Champion The 2023 edition of the Canadian Gelbvieh People’s Choice Bull Futurity was a success with more entries and memberships than the previous year. Having the Futurity as part of the Gelbvieh Wish List Weekend proved again to be a great match allowing breeders to take in everything the event had to offer. There were 23 bull entries competing from all three of the prairie provinces. 62 members had the opportunity to vote in person or online from across Canada, the United States and Australia. A total of $5,000 in purchase credits were won by 7 lucky Futurity members. These have all been used to purchase genetics from other Futurity members. Other draw down prizes included a 2024 Futurity membership, a TSU sampling kit, Gelbvieh Guide advertising and a banner ad in the GAAB/BC Calendar. After the voting was completed on an impressive final 6 bulls the 2023 Canadian Gelbvieh Bull Futurity Champion Bull was AWB TWIN VIEW UNDISPUTED 20L ET from Twin View Livestock. They received a banner and $2,000 in prize money. The Runner-Up receiving $1,000 was CLR LEO 5L from Cowlick Ranch. The final chips were then pulled from the bucket leaving Twin Bridge Farms as the winner of their choice of any of the Futurity bulls. They selected AWB TWIN VIEW UNDISPUTED 20L ET as their new herd sire. The prize money for the selected bull this year was $16,000. The Bull Futurity proved to once again be a great platform to market genetics. Multiple bulls were selected by breeders as new herd sires during the weekend as well as lots of interest was shown in bulls committed to spring sales. If you have any suggestions, questions or would like to get involved in the Bull Futurity contact Aaron Birch. Thank you to everyone who participated that continue to make the Canadian Gelbvieh People’s Choice Bull Futurity an event the breed can be proud of. GG Spring 2024 Page 29
Tow e r v i e w Ta k e s T h e i r Fe e d i n g To Ne w He i g ht s Sarah Van Schothorst, BSc & Gary and Kerry Pahl (pictures)
Towerview is located in Cypress County between Redcliff and Suffield, just south of the #1 Highway. The ranch has been continuously producing quality cattle since its inception in 1992. In 2002 Gary began his purebred Gelbvieh program and in 2015 Towerview became incorporated. The ranch is run by Gary and Kerry Pahl and their daughter, Jennifer and her husband, Marc Van Ewijk. They market 100 commercial calves each fall, as well as purebred bulls each spring and purebred heifers. They hold their online bull sale for their purebred 2 year old bulls each year around the middle of March. This year it will be held on March 17th-18th on DLMS FarmGate Timed Auctions. Gary and Kerry consign to and attend the Wish List sale every year and are proud sponsors for the Junior Incentive breeders purse. They also enjoy attending the National Junior show every year. This year they sponsored the Gelbvieh Champion bull at Farm Fair. Kerry was elected onto the Gelbvieh Association of Alberta/BC board at their 2023 AGM in Stettler, AB. She looks forward to participating and contributing to the promotion of the Gelbvieh breed as a board member. Towerview was also honoured to accept the Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC Purebred Breeder of the Year award for 2023. In the summer of 2023 Gary and Kerry decided to produce hydroponically grown fodder for their cattle because they could control the environment, thus reducing their need to purchase feed on years of low moisture or less than desirable growing conditions. In years of adequate moisture, they plan to stockpile their own feed crops in addition to producing their fodder. This will enable them to have a constant feed supply every year. Producing their own fodder will reduce feed costs, mineral and supplement costs, fuel costs, wear and tear on farm equipment. Gary said “The cattle will be healthier and more attractive to potential buyers. It will enable us to be self-sufficient and increase our productivity.” Once Gary and Kerry purchased the hydroponic system from Sky Greens Canada to grow the fodder, they began Page 30 GG Spring 2024
the extensive preparation process which included renovating their existing quonset. Adding insulation, purchasing and hauling in gravel for the floor, adding two furnaces and power and replacing the sliding doors with a solid front and overhead door were improvements that had to be made. These changes along with a ventilation fan ensured they would have an adequate environment between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit and the ability to maintain the appropriate humidity. They also purchased a 2500-gallon water tank and built a small wooden bin for seed storage. Kerry said “Growing fodder from Barley seed gives us the ability to grow feed for our cattle in an environmentally controlled building thus reducing our inability to control the weather/moisture conditions and reducing the need to buy feed in years of drought when our own feed crops fail.”
Fodder, by definition, is a type of food for cattle or other livestock. It can be grown from barley, red wheat or oats. It is essentially sprouted grain seed. The Pahl’s chose this type of feed to produce because it is undeniably beneficial for all livestock, not just cattle. It reduces operating costs while maximizing production capability and increases overall revenues. By using this vertical hydroponic farming system, they can produce fodder year-round for their cattle, if need be. It is a solution to erratic climate conditions including drought like we are currently experiencing. The Towerview land base is strictly dryland with no access to irrigation water. Using this vertical hydroponic system allows them to essentially irrigate a crop which they could not otherwise do. Gary said “We believe this will be essential to the future success and sustainability of our Ranch as these severely dry conditions are becoming more frequent.” This highly efficient system uses towers that hold trays for the seed to grow on without the need for soil and an automated irrigation system that provides the seeds with water and rotates up to 6 times daily. Fodder is
harvested daily on a 7-day cycle. They will be using 14 of these 3 meter towers. Two towers are harvested daily to produce 2280 lbs of feed. Each tower has 12 trays that are divided into 3 sections. Each section is harvested like rolls of lawn sod. These sections include the root mass and eight inches of barley growth. The Pahl’s then load the sections of fodder into the back of the side x side. They are able to haul one tower worth of fodder, 1140lbs, at a time. The cattle love their new feed source, it is like candy. Kerry said “The cows come running when they hear the side x side and they are eating it out of the back before we can get it parked.” Their 30 purebred cows receive 1 whole tower of fodder per day (1140lbs). They have 8 2 Year-Old Purebred Bulls receiving 316 lbs per day, 5 mature ranch bulls receiving 316lbs per day, 14 purebred heifer calves getting 158lbs per day and 14 purebred bull calves getting 316lbs per day. The commercial cows are not being fed any fodder at this point. The fodder is fed alongside straw for roughage and depending on the weather they may also feed some dry hay as well. GG Spring 2024 Page 31
There are many positives for the livestock from fodder produced by this method. Fodder provides valuable nutrition when fresh pasture is not available or when feed crops fail. It provides fresh feed during winter months making it a valuable feed all year long. For example, fodder produced from barley seed has an increased amount of protein, is easier for the cattle to digest, they eat less and therefore produce about 20% less manure, it increases fertility by reducing the dietary starches. It also boosts the animals’ immune system which leads to increased longevity and lifespan while improving their behaviour and temperament. Fodder can be fed to sheep, horses, pigs and chickens as well. A vertical farming system requires daily attention. Everything must be checked and the environment maintained to be suitable for optimal production. Kerry said “If we ever decided to not use the system to produce fodder we can explore other applications like bedding out plants or vegetables. We could also sell fodder off the farm for other animals.” Once the fodder system was in place they calculated it costs approximately $60-$70 per ton when all expenses are totalled up which is a significant savings from the $300/ton hay they had to purchase. Gary said “This is why we feel the hydroponic system will pay for itself in 2-3 years.” The Pahl’s innovation, on finding a reliable feed source, has meant they are able to continue living on the ranch doing what they love to do. They have developed a secure and sustainable feed crop for their livestock. Kerry said “We are passionate about the breed and try to attend other breeders’ sales to support as many as we can.”
Once the fodder is harvested any leftover seed that didn’t germinate is vacuumed up out of the trays and fed to the chickens. They purchase their barley seed from Pat Fabian of Fabian Seed Farms Inc. located near Tilley, AB. The barley seed is soaked with water overnight in small garden wagons. The water drained off from this process is fed to the pigs and they love it. Nothing is wasted. Each tray is filled with 15-20lbs of seed and the 7 day automated process begins. No fertilizer is required. The fodder is harvested at 7 days because that is when the plant reaches the max production and nutrition value based on the energy of the seed itself. Page 32 GG Spring 2024
Gelbvieh is the Ideal Choice for this Saskatchewan Family Words by Joe Barnett
Kurtis and Celine Hicks with their young sons, Bryce and Levi, of Parkbeg, Saskatchewan are the 2023 Man/ Sask Gelbvieh Association Commercial Breeder of the Year. Typical of farm families, they would be the first to humbly tell you they aren’t doing anything extra or better than anyone else. On closer inspection, however, this young family play integral roles in their community and they rely on Gelbvieh cattle to enhance their bottom line. Like so many southern Saskatchewan towns, Parkbeg is easily missed if you happen to take a sip of your coffee as you travel the Trans Canada. Aside from the local post office and a handful of locals who meet there for morning coffee, not much happens in Parkbeg. Its greatest claim to fame is being named ‘Home of Gainer the Gopher,’ the official mascot of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The most notable points of interest come in the next towns to the east and west. Following the introduction of the CPR line through southern Saskatchewan in 1903-1904, small towns began to dot the prairies in order to meet the needs of the steam trains. Page 34 GG Spring 2024
To the east of Parkbeg is the village of Mortlach. It was named after the Scottish home of the CPR President. Located only 35 kilometres from the city of Moose Jaw, Mortlach has become a bed and breakfast community of sorts. It has a school and an impressive line up of locally owned boutique shops making it a unique place to stop and explore along the number one. Each June it is home to the well known Saskatoon Berry Festival when for, one day a summer, the village is full!
W W W. FA R M GAT E T I M E DAU C T I O N S . C A
e c n a h C ast
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ONLINE GELBVIEH BULL SALE
Offering
15 FALL BORN LONG YEARLINGS GELBVIEH BULLS
B U L L S A R E AVA I L A B L E F O R V I E W I N G AT T H E FA R M A N Y T I M E v i s t o u r w e b s i t e jsjlivestoc k.com for lot details and videos
T H A N K YO U T O E V E RYO N E T H A T S U P P O R T E D O U R P U RE B RE D H E RD D I S P E RSA L
JAMES & SHAYLA JASPER JAMES (431) 740-5443 SHAYLA (204) 741-0018 HARTNEY, MB
JSJLIVESTOCK.COM
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The village of Chaplin to the west is built along the Chaplin Lake and countless travellers wonder about the enormous white piles and just what they are exactly. Chaplin Lake is the second largest saline lake in Canada and serves as a critical habitat for unique shorebird species during their migratory journey. The dense saline water provides habitat for brine shrimp which serves as a valued food source to the birds. Chaplin Lake is one of only three locations in Canada known to be breeding ground for Snowy Plovers. It was once estimated that Chaplin Lake served as a temporary home to over 20% of the world’s population of Baird’s Sandpipers. By late summer, lake water levels drop substantially and on windy days it is not uncommon to see waves of salt airborne resembling clouds of smoke. The rich saline waters also hold natural sodium sulphate, a valuable and widely used material. Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals is located on the north shore of the lake and along the Trans Canada highway, also easily accessed by rail. A series of dams and dykes in the lake are used to trap the mineral rich water late in the fall and winter. Over the coming spring and summer, the water evaporates leaving the sodium sulphate deposits behind. These are then piled near the mine along the highway creating one of the most noticeable topics of conversation in the province. Sulphate is a sustainable fertilizer which is low in chloride making it safe to use on irrigated land, in greenhouses and on valuable crops such as almonds and pecans. Kurtis and Celine grew up very close to each other on mixed family farming operations but went opposite directions during their formal schooling years. Upon graduation, Celine earned Veterinary Technician and Herd Health certificates from Lakeland College while Kurtis attended the University of Saskatchewan achieving a diploma in Agriculture. He then returned home to work with his parents and began to expand his own portion of the farming operation. When combined, their individual passions make them a strong team. Kurtis heads up the grain side of the operation and is a skilled mechanic known to get many calls from neighbours with a piece of equipment on the brink. Celine is passionate about the cattle side of the operation and has a keen eye for what she likes. The couple were able to take over Celine’s family homestead. It began in 1912 when her great, great grand Page 36 GG Spring 2024
mother came to Canada with Celine’s great grandfather in her arms. Kurtis and Celine worked closely with her Uncle Glen in his later years to run the farm and then became its next caretakers. They’ve now begun to take over more of the grain land from Kurtis’ family and have expanded to approximately 4,500 acres. The cowherd ranges in size from 75-100 breeding females depending on conditions. It is primarily a Red Angus herd with Simmental and Charolais influence. Their first exposure to the Gelbvieh breed came seven years ago when a neighbouring farm was purchased by Twin View Livestock. A fast friendship was built and the Hicks’ were quick to offer support in whatever was needed. They became the ‘home team’ during the fall show season, taking care of chores and whatever else needed to be done while Aaron and Joe were on the road. While feeding bulls one day, Kurtis asked Celine if she thought those bulls would work on their cows. The rest is history. They purchased their first Gelbvieh bull in 2019 from the Twin View show string.
Typical of mixed farming operations, spring calving bleeds into field work and so Kurtis and Celine have a strict list of priorities in the cowherd. Calving ease and calf vigour are critical since there is limited barn space for issues. The calves need to perform well and since replacement heifers are retained from the herd, maternal abilities are a must have. Finally, with two young boys and Celine often working alone, disposition cannot be questioned. When they aren’t at school, the boys are right there with them holding gates, driving the quad and helping out with whatever other odd jobs need tending to. Calving begins the end of March and winds up early May when Kurtis has already returned to the field. The heifers are bred to calving ease Red Angus bulls and the cowherd is now bred to an entirely Gelbvieh bull battery. Calving difficulties are rare and they’ve been very pleased with the speed with which calves are up and nursing.
The Hicks’ are excited about the improvement of the cowherd and can see the results of implementing Gelbvieh genetics into their crossbreeding program. The next generation is excited as well with Bryce showing a Gelbvieh heifer in his first year of 4-H. They’re success and excitement makes them the 2023 Man/Sask Gelbvieh Commercial Breeder of the Year!
On typical years, Kurtis and Celine are able to put up their own feed. Like so many areas of the prairies, drought has been a challenge in the past number of years. They have combatted these challenges by utilizing their mixed farming options. They have seeded additional acres to green feed forages to offset the reduced hay produced and also experimented with corn grazing.
Sources: IBA Canada - Important Bird Areas. https://www.ibacanada. ca/ Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals. https://saskatchewanminingandminerals.com/ Mortlach, Saskatchewan. https://mortlach.ca
The cattle graze almost exclusively native pasture land during the summer months before going onto stubble later in the fall to graze residue after combining. The first half blood Gelbvieh heifers have now weaned their second calves. The calves were sold mid November last fall and exciting results were achieved. “Our biggest pen of steers averaged just under 700 pounds. We were struggling to get 550 before we switched the bulls,” shared Celine. Like so many young rural families, they are busy with so much more than the farm. They recognize the importance of community and are active in all aspects of the local area. Kurtis serves as Reeve to the local municipality and Celine contributes many hours to the Parent Council and also serves as manager to both of the boys hockey teams. Their boys are busy year round with hockey and baseball and enjoy a summer camping getaway with Nanny and Grampy. Most weekends, you will find the four together working on projects around the farm, checking cows or maybe even manning the roadside iced tea stand. Kurtis and Celine are quick to give credit to those around them for their success as well. They are quick to name neighbours and Kurtis’ mom, Irene, as essential to their day to day life. GG Spring 2024 Page 37
Advancing Reproductive Efficiency and Stress Management in Beef Heifers: A Western Canadian Perspective Dr. Gellatly at TACLP, Olds College
The primary goal of a cow-calf operation is to produce one calf per cow per year. However, the journey to achieving this reproductive success is fraught with challenges influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, nutritional status, and stress, each playing a crucial role in the performance of heifers. Scientific literature highlights that heifers’ reactivity at handling (a proxy for temperament) tend to diminish their feed intake, adversely affecting their nutritional status. Additionally, excitable animals often have higher circulating concentrations of cortisol (a stress hormone). As the cortisol levels rise, so does the concern for the fertility of beef females. A comprehensive two-year study was conducted by the Olds College Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) at Neilson Beef in Stettler, Alta, investigating reproductive efficiency and alleviating stress in beef heifers. The Neilsons provide custom feeding services to beef producers and are currently in their fourth year of providing a specialized heifer development service for the beef industry. Thus, the main goal of the research was to assess the effects of a cost-effective strategy, referred to as acclimation, which involves a combination of repeated non-aversive handling and positive feed reinforcement before breeding, on heifers’ stress and pregnancy rates. Study Design The central focus of this project was addressing the challenge posed by observed excitable reactivity in cattle during routine handling, a factor that often results in injuries to both handlers and animals. In the first year, 200 Angus crossbred heifers, aged 13-14 months were enrolled. Prior to the breeding season, all heifers were ranked by body condition score and were subsequently divided into four equivalent groups. These groups were housed in distinct feedlot pens (50 heifers per pen per treatment) for approximately four weeks, with two groups assigned to each treatment — acclimation or control. The acclimation process combined feed reinforcement and non-aversive successive handling techniques, aiming to reduce stress levels towards handlers and handling facilities. Briefly, prior to breeding and for five alternate days, a familiar handler entered the acclimated treatment pens. The handler adopted a soft-spoken approach while pail-feeding the heifers with a small amount of mixed barley (approximately 100 grams per heifer). This method aimed to create, under animals’ perspective, a positive association of humans. Subsequently, these heifers were guided through the chute on three separate days (adopting low-stress handling techPage 38 GG Spring 2024
niques and without restraint), receiving identical feed rewards immediately after handling. Conversely, heifers in the control groups were solely fed by a feed truck without any human interaction and were not exposed to handling acclimation procedures before breeding. During the second year, a new group of 122 Angus crossbred heifers, aged 13-14 months, underwent an identical evaluation to the one conducted in the 2020 study, ensuring consistency in experimental procedures. Assessment Metrics During both trial years, a veterinarian performed rectal palpation on all heifers before hormone treatment. Cycling heifers with a corpus luteum were given intramuscular injections of PGF2α (Estrumate®; Merck Animal Health) for estrus synchronization purposes. In both years, heifers were randomly selected to be either exclusively exposed to bulls (Black Angus & Gelbvieh sires; approximately 1:25 bull-to-cow ratio) or subjected to artificial insemination (AI) before bull exposure (~100 heifers per breeding method). Cattle reactivity to handling was assessed using two different methods, chute score and flight speed, providing insights into excitability while enclosed in the squeeze chute and the exit speed from a hydraulic squeeze chute, respectively. In the initial year, saliva samples were collected to measure salivary cortisol concentration as an indicator of acute stress. Following the breeding season, pregnancy rates were determined using ultrasonography. Behavioral assessments and salivary samples were obtained before breeding (baseline measurement), during estrus synchronization, and on pregnancy check day. Key Findings The outcomes on pregnancy rate for both treatment groups were independent of the breeding methods (natural or AI). Acclimated heifers exhibited a numerical rise of 2.23% in pregnancy rates compared to the control group in the initial year. In the second year, utilizing the new set of animals, this increase significantly escalated to 10.84%. Additionally, in the second year, the adoption of handling acclimation procedures elevated the likelihood of heifers becoming pregnant by 7.5 times.
Saliva collection
Lance pale feeding
During the baseline assessment (prior to acclimation) in the first year, heifers from both treatment groups exhibited similar salivary cortisol concentrations. However, post-acclimation (on synchronization and pregnancy check days), heifers that underwent acclimation showed significantly lower cortisol concentrations. This suggested a notable reduction in stress levels at handling compared to the control group. In the second year, handling acclimation successfully decreased reactivity in home-raised heifers at Neilson Cattle Development compared to externally sourced heifers, as evidenced by significantly lower flight speed. Industry Benefits After analyzing outcomes of the two year study, the Neilsons have opted to permanently integrate handling acclimation protocols for all heifers and cows raised at their operation, as well as for their customers’ heifers. In the latest breeding season, Neilsons observed no instances of open heifers subjected to either natural breeding or AI after receiving handling acclimation procedures. Additionally, Neilson’s customers, whose heifers experienced handling acclimation at Neilson’s operation within the last three years, also observed an 100% of pregnancy rate. In terms of time commitment, there is a requirement to handle cattle up to 2 weeks prior to breeding or other processing procedures. How-
ever, the Neilsons indicated that a group of up to 100 heifers being handled only by him and his wife, Karyn Neilson, incurred 15 minutes of time per session to perform the acclimation procedures. Further, they emphasized that the minimal time invested into acclimating their animals is well worth the results. “Frequently, beef producers express concerns that handling animals more often will increase stress levels. Nonetheless, our research indicates that consistently and gently managing cattle can actually reduce stress and anxiety during routine procedures”, explains Dr. Gellatly.
The owner and operator, Lance Neilson, emphasizes that the improved fertility rate is evident, but he particularly highlights his own observation of the reduced hesitation of acclimated heifers when entering the calving barn. He noticed a more ef ficient calving process from an operational perspective. Interested in learning more about quiet handling and how it pays off? Visit the TACLP’s webpage at oldscollege.ca/taclp and watch for upcoming handling workshops with Dr. Gellatly.
• Cattle performance & feed efficiency testing. A resource for the livestock industry, the TACLP promotes increased production efficiencies, improved health and welfare, and enhanced environmental sustainability.
oldscollege.ca/TACLP | 403.556.8314
• Third-party validation of technologies & management practices. • Coordinate & deliver producer training. GG Spring 2024 Page 39
Farmfair International Female
Grand Champion
November 9, 2023 Edmonton, AB
Balancer/Percentage Intermediate Heifer calf Champion Dusty Rose Mlaya Dusty Rose Cattle Co., Dapp AB
Balancer/Percentage Senior Heifer calf SLC Ella 54K Bohrson Marketing Services, Olds AB
Champion STON Miss Debbie 2L (Grand Reserve) Stone Gate Farm, Sundre AB Reserve RTG Sensational L128 Rocky Top Gelbvieh, Bowden AB
Reserve Grand Champion
Balancer/Percentage Junior Bred Heifer
Female
Champion SLC Ella 54K (Grand Champion) Bohrson Marketing Services, Olds AB Reserve BNH Tibbies Independence 9K ET BNH Livestock, Red Deer County AB
Balancer/Percentage Senior Bred Heifer
STON Miss Debbie 2L Stone Gate Farm, Sundre AB
Champion DR Dusty Rose Treasure 280K Melissa Yowney, Colinton AB Reserve Dusty Rose Alexys Dusty Rose Cattle Co., Dapp AB
Balancer/Percentage Junior Bull Calf
Bull
Grand Champion
Champion STON Legend 18L Stone Gate Farm, Sundre AB Reserve BNHL Lamborghini 3L BNH Livestock, Red Deer County AB
Balancer/Percentage Junior Yearling Bull
Champion BNH Dirt Road Anthem 12K ET (Grand Champion) BNH Livestock, Red Deer County AB
Balancer/Percentage Senior Yearling Bull BNH Dirt Road Anthem 12K ET BNH Livestock, Red Deer County AB
Champion STON Boone 15K (Grand Reserve) George Simpson, Jarvie AB
Purebred Junior Heifer Calf
Bull
Reserve Grand Champion
Champion RWG Kitty 3454 Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB Reserve RWG Goodnight 3415 Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB
Purebred Intermediate Heifer Calf
Champion DR Dusty Rose Porchia Dusty Rose Cattle Co., Dapp AB
Purebred Senior Heifer Calf STON Boone 15K George Simpson, Jarvie AB
Page 40 GG Spring 2024
Champion AWB Twin View Gracie Gayle 27L ET Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK Reserve AWB Twin View Gracie Gayle 7L ET Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK
Purebred Senior Bred Heifer
Champion STON Gayle 13K ET Stone Gate Farm, Sundre AB Reserve DVE Davidson Ms Optimist 62K Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix SK
Female
Champion RWG Kitty’s Back 2449 Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB Reserve BNH Foxy Kleopatra 8K BNH Livestock, Red Deer County AB
Grand Champion
Purebred Junior Bred Heifer
Jen-Ty Hot Stuff 550H Colby Hollman, Red Deer County AB
Purebred Mature Cow/Calf Pair
Champion Jen-Ty Hot Stuff 550H (Grand Champion) BNH Livestock, Red Deer County AB Reserve RWG Parkland 9414 ET (Grand Reserve) Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB
Purebred Junior Bull Calf
Female
Champion RWG Kitty 1429 ET Royal Western Gelbvieh & Chayse Hollman, Red Deer County AB
Reserve Grand Champion
Purebred 2 Year Old Cow/Calf Pair
Champion RWG Loaded 3418 Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB Reserve RWG Listen Up 3404 Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB
RWG Parkland 9414 ET Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB
BNHBNH
Purebred Senior Bull Calf
Champion AWB Twin View Undisputed 20L ET Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK Reserve AWB Twin View Scotch 3L ET Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK
Bull
Champion AWB Twin View Prestige 124L Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK
Grand Champion
Purebred Intermediate Bull Calf
AWB Twin View Bold Ruler 20K ET Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK & Golden Buckle Gelbvieh, Medina ND
Purebred Senior Yearling Bull
Champion AWB Twin View Bold Ruler 20K ET (Grand Champion) Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK & Golden Buckle Gelbvieh, Medina ND USA
Purebred 2 Year Old Bull
Champion RWG Joy Ride 1510 Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB & Nelson Gelbvieh, Glenwood AB Reserve DVE Davidson Kramer 46J Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix SK
Bull
Champion BNH Dream Katcher 1K (Reserve Champion) BNH Livestock, Red Deer County AB Reserve RWG Kingpin 2502 Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB
Reserve Grand Champion
Purebred Junior Yearling Bull
BNH Dream Katcher 1K BNH Livestock, Red Deer County AB
GG Spring 2024 Page 41
Rising Stars at Agribition Cynthia Wirgau
20 juniors participated in activities during Agribition. Thank you to Davidson Gelbvieh and Bar GR Gelbvieh for your donations. Your support is greatly appreciated. Davidson Gelbvieh has already sponsored $1000 for 2024.
Congratulations to all juniors. It was great to see them interacting in the barns and having fun! Back row (R to L): Keston Hollman , Ash Davidson, Amber Spray, Hailey Spray. Front (R to L): Colt Hrebeniuk, Cam Davidson, Chase Hollman, Rebecca Spray, Kenzie Hrebeniuk
Showmanship
Agribition hosts Youth Showmanship and Team Grooming competitions
Amber Spray
Cam Davidson
Jaime Davidson
Sadie Davidson
Art Winner Pee Wee division - Flynn Davidson. Winners Junior division - Kenzie Hrebeniuk and Rebecca Spray. Winner Senior division - Colt Hrebeniuk It was great to see a variety of projects including photos, drawings, and a book. Page 42 GG Spring 2024
Team Grooming
In team Grooming we saw Dawson and Rylan Fladeland on the Fladeland/Fettes team placing 5th in the Senior Category. In the Intermediate division Team Gelbvieh (Cam Davidson, Shelby Horn, Keston Hollman) placed 3rd. Amber Spray’s team placed 5th. Brayden Fladeland was also participating on a team.
Beef Talk
The juniors had to work as a team and put together a puzzle then answer 15 questions about parts of animal, where different cuts come from. 1st place went to Rhea Sywenky, Hailey Spray, Cam Davidson, Keston Hollman.
Quiz Bowl
A quiz bowl was held Friday. The kids had to answer 20 questions about showing, feeding and more. Amber Spray, Ash Davidson, Chase Hollman, Jaime Davidson participated.
BMO Junior Beef Extreme Wrapping up the week was the Junior Beef Extreme. Junior calf Champion Cam Davidson, Reserve Keston Hollman. Champion bred Keston Hollman, Reserve Ash Davidson.
Grand Champion Keston Hollman
Reserve Grand Champion Cam Davidson
GG Spring 2024 Page 43
Agribition Grand Champion
National Gelbvieh Show
Female
November 22, 2023 Regina SK
Balancer/Percentage Heifer calf
Champion Fladeland Lainey 35L (Reserve Champion) Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar SK Reserve AMS Ambers Lacie 39L Triple S Cattle Co., Preeceville SK
Reserve Grand Champion
Fir River Jade 805J Fir River Livestock, Hudson Bay SK
Balancer/Percentage Bred Heifer
Champion JM Karyn 3K Maple Grove Gelbvieh, Narcisse MB
Balancer/Percentage 2 Year Old Cow/Calf Pair
Female
Champion Fir River Jade 805J (Grand Champion) Fir River Livestock, Hudson Bay SK
Balancer/Percentage Mature Cow/Calf Pair
Champion HL Miss Fayet 17F Maple Grove Gelbvieh & Brooklyn Wirgau, Narcisse MB
Grand Champion
Fladeland Lainey 35L Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar SK
Balancer/Percentage Junior Bull Calf
Champion Fir River Lazer 204L (Reserve Champion) Fir River Livestock, Hudson Bay SK Reserve BPW Legend 105L Maple Grove Gelbvieh, Narcisse MB
Balancer/Percentage Yearling Bull
Bull
Champion OSF TKO 24K Overby Stock Farm, Ste. Rose Du Lac MB Reserve Fir River Klondike 35K Fir River Livestock, Hudson Bay SK
Balancer/Percentage 2 Year Old Bull OSF Strut 15J Overby Stock Farm, Ste. Rose Du Lac MB
Champion OSF Strut 15J (Grand Champion) Overby Stock Farm, Ste. Rose Du Lac MB
Purebred Junior Heifer Calf
Bull
Reserve Grand Champion
Champion Ledgerwood Lacey 348L Ledgerwood Gelbvieh, Clarkston WA USA Reserve Fladeland Tiger Lily 13L ET Fladeland Livestock, Gladmar SK
Fir River Lazer 204L Fir River Livestock, Hudson Bay SK Page 44 GG Spring 2024
Davidson Gelbvieh Wins Herdsmen Award
Female
Champion AWB Twin View Gracie Gayle 27L ET Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK Reserve AWB Twin View Gracie Gayle 28L ET Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK
Grand Champion
Purebred Senior Heifer Calf
Purebred Bred Heifer
Champion DRT Lonesome Pillow Talk 334K (Reserve Champion) Lonesome Dove Ranch, Ponteix SK Reserve RWG Kitty’s Back 2449 Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB
RWG Kitty 1429 ET Royal Western Gelbvieh & Chayse Hollman, Red Deer County AB
Purebred 2 Year Old Cow/Calf Pair
Female
Reserve Grand Champion
Champion RWG Kitty 1429 ET (Grand Champion) Royal Western Gelbvieh & Chayse Hollman, Red Deer County, AB Reserve DRT Lonesome I Decide 43J Lonesome Dove Ranch, Ponteix SK
Purebred Mature Cow/Calf Pair
Champion RWG Parkland 9414 ET Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB Reserve DRT Lonesome Sapphire 393H Lonesome Dove Ranch, Ponteix SK
DRT Lonesome Pillow Talk 334K Lonesome Dove Ranch, Ponteix SK
Purebred Junior Bull Calf
BNHBNHRWGRRR
Champion AWB Twin View Undisputed 20L ET (Reserve Champion) Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK Reserve Goodview Lincoln 310L Goodview Gelbvieh & Courtney Kristjanson, Punnichy SK
Bull
Purebred Senior Bull Calf
Grand Champion
Champion RWG Loaded 3418 Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB Reserve RWG Listen Up 3406 Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County AB
AWB Twin View Bold Ruler 20K ET Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK & Golden Buckle Gelbvieh, Medina ND
Purbred 2 Year Old Bull
Champion DVE Davidson Kramer 46J Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix SK Reserve RWG Joy Ride 1510 Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County & Nelson Gelbvieh, Glenwood AB
Bull
Champion AWB Twin View Bold Ruler 20K ET (Grand Champion) Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK & Golden Buckle Gelbvieh, Medina ND USA Reserve RWG Kingpin 2502 Royal Western Gelbvieh, Red Deer County
Reserve Grand Champion
Purebred Yearling Bull
AWB Twin View Undisputed 20L ET Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK GG Spring 2024 Page 45
Sale Results Function & Finesse Female Sale 5.0
AWB 27L
BLB 234K
October 13th at Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK Sale partners Twin View Livestock, Goodview Gelbvieh, Keriness/Jonus Cattle, JSJ Livestock, Last Mountain Livestock, RPS Gelbvieh, Triple S Cattle Company, Ledgerwood Gelbvieh, Diamond Z Livestock and Braylen Blake Gelbvieh 15 Open Heifers Averaged $6,333 17 Bred Heifers Averaged $8,088 6 Embryos Averaged $1,188 The sale barn was full and online bidders were active for Function & Finesse 5.0. Lots sold into 4 Provinces and 4 States. Over half the heifer calves were purchased by juniors with the intention to show them. The winner of the Junior Futurity Scholarship of $1,000 was Kelsy Schmitz that she earned with her cow/calf pair, Diamond Z Jewel 12J. The high seller was Lot 1, pick of the Gracie Gayle Show Heifers for $18,000 to Del & Tammy Wyatt and JSJ Livestock. After she was Senior Heifer Calf Champion at both the National Show and Agribition. They chose Lot 1B, AWB TWIN VIEW GRACIE GAYLE 27L ET. The high selling bred heifer was Lot 16 from Goodview Gelbvieh who was Reserve Senior Heifer Calf at Agribiton in 2022. BNH Livestock selected her for their program for $15,500. V&V Farms purchased two bred females. Lot 30 from Keiness Cattle for $13,500 and Lot 33 from Twin View Livestock for $11,500. Also selling for $11,500 was Lot 32 from Goodview Gelbvieh to Diamond Acre Farm. The Lot 6 heifer calf from Last Mountain Livestock sold to Walker Murphy and Twin View Livestock for $8,500. Lot 9 from Jonus Cattle sold for $7,000 to Westcott Gelbvieh. Also for $7,000 was Lot 3 from Ledgerwood Gelbvieh to Diamond Z Livestock. The high selling embryos were lot 34 to Covington Gelbvieh for $1,300. Plans are in the works for Function & Finesse 6.0 on October 18th 2024.
Gelbvieh Wish List Sale December 1&2, Stettler AB Auctioneer: Don Oberg
Averages: Heifer Calves - $4409 Bred Heifers - $6333 Embryo Lot - $3375
High-selling Embryo Lots 30 & 30A, consigned by Hillsdown Gelbvieh, were each purchased by Towerview Ranch & Silver Line Farm for $3375. High-selling heifer calf, consigned by Jen-Ty Gelbvieh, was purchased by Davidson Gelbvieh for $9000. High-selling bred heifers were lots 24 & 26, consigned by Keriness Cattle Co., purchased by Davidson Gelbvieh each for $10,000. Wish List weekend did not disappoint; from Friday afternoon festivities to the completion of the sale Saturday evening, the barn was filled with Gelbvieh enthusiasts. This year’s phenomenal donation heifer was donated by Flatland Ranch and raised over $10,000 for the Association! The donation heifer was won by Unger Land & Livestock, who donated her to be auctioned off, and all proceeds were to go to the Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Association. She was then purchased by Royal Western Gelbvieh Div. Of Real World Genetics and Nelson Gelbvieh. Thank you, Flatland Ranch! We appreciate all the consignors who participate in the sale; without you and the strong lineup of females you bring, we would not have the weekend that we all enjoy! See you all next year for the 2024 sale, Dec. 6-7. Page 46 GG Spring 2024
The Gathering First off we’d like to thank everyone who took time out of their busy lives to see the set of sale cattle on display, prior to and on sale day. Our gratitude to all who express interest in our breeding program, from our neighbors to across the globe. We’re once again not surprised by the elite quality our fellow breeders had on offer, and would like to extend a huge thank you to Scott and Lisa Severtson for hosting the event at their sale facility. Lisa always goes above and beyond hosting and Scott makes every moment into a great story and laugh. A truly great set of cattle representing 5 breeding programs averaged $7383.33 with these girls heading to exciting new homes. Leading off the sale was the lot 1 future donor SLC Lisa 24B who commanded $20,000.00 - purchased by Hurlburt Livestock and Fir River Livestock The high selling heifer calf was RWG Kitty L453 a RWG Horsepower 0311 daughter selling to Meng Farms, KS for $16,000.00 RWG Goodnight L403 another RWG Horsepower 0311 daughter caught a lot of attention also selling to Meng Farms, KS for $10,000.00 RWG Horespower 0311 also sired the $10,000.00 RWG Lora L423 female. What an impressive run for a sire. Over 2 years his daughters have averaged $12,041.60 and February 13th- The Draft Picks bull sale will mark the first time his sons sell!! They will represent our most impressive bulls offered to date. FLAD Fladeland Lainey 35L a JRI Wheres the Beef 307H40 daughter drew a lot of fans also selling for $10,000.00 to Pin to Point Gelbvieh & Royal Western Gelbvieh The bred heifers were one of the strongest groups to date offered, topping at $12,000.00 for lot 5 to Davidson Gelbvieh, $11,000.00 for lot 10 to Cowlick Ranch. 10 bred heifers representing Nelson Gelbvieh and Rocky Top Gelbvieh averaged an impressive $8025.00! We also need to say a huge Thank you to Buck, Jared, Wacey and Keston- the crew out back moving the cattle, it was a smooth sale. It’s so important to have a great crew in the back and we are fortunate to also have a great crew in the front that comes with never ending entertainment! Thank you to the Bohrson team and the sale staff Ryan, Craig and Rod for keeping the laughs going throughout!
New Year’s Resolution Sale December 31st, Edmonton AB hosted by DLMS Farmgate Timed Auctions Auctioneer: Ryan Dorran Sale Management: Bohrson Marketing Services, Olds AB Flush Embryos Sales Total
Lot 1 12 13
Gross $6500 $47,200 $53,700
Average $6500 $3933 $4131
Flush Lot #325 COWTOWN JULIA 150J consigned by Norwack Cattle Co. sold for $6500 to Pin To Point Gelbvieh. Embryo Lot #324 RWG Kitty’s Dream 6526 consigned by Royal Western Gelbvieh Div. Of Real World Genetics sold for $2000 / embryo to Goodview Gelbvieh. Embryo Lot #323 RWG Kitty’s Gem 9409 consigned by Royal Western Gelbvieh Div. Of Real World Genetics sold for $1700/embryo to Green Acres Cattle Company. Embryo Lot #321 JNA Baby Spice 52C consigned by Pearson Farms sold for $1300/embryo to Towerview Ranch Ltd.
GG Spring 2024 Page 47
Sale Results Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance Sale
FRL 35K
FRL 711H
HL 8L
Sale Date: December 9, 2023 Location: Grant Hall Moose Jaw, SK Auctioneer: Mike Fleury, Aberdeen, SK The 23rd edition of the Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance Sale weekend was a huge success with top quality Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics on offer. The weekend began with a pizza party on Friday evening at the Grant Hall. Saturday started with the ManSask AGM and viewing of the cattle at the Moose Jaw Exhibition during the day and the supper and sale at the Grant Hall that evening. The Fun Auction was, as always, entertaining and funds were raised for the ManSask Gelbvieh Association. We finished the evening out with musical entertainment by Roger Blager from Moose Jaw. The PGA sale group would like to thank all the consigners for bringing their cattle to town and for all their help over the weekend. The offering found new homes in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Here are some of the highlights. Lot 19 FRL Fir River Koldike 35K consigned by Fir River Livestock. This dark red stud of a bull had a lot of friends from being shown at Agribition. He was the Reserve Champion Balancer Yearling Bull. 35K is sired by the great SLC Viper 7E. 35K’s calves should be very impressive for his new owner, Thackeray Land & Cattle from Weyburn, SK. Selling for $10,000 when the hammer finally fell. Lot 20 FRL Fir River Lazer 204L is a Balancer 63%, a dark red SLC Viper 7E son and off of a fantastic female with a great future. This was one of the most talked about pairs at Agribition. Before and after they were crowned Grand Champion Female. FRL 204L on his own was Reserve Grand Champion Balancer Bull. This young bull was not only phenotypically impressive but his low birth weight and high weaning weight garnered some attention too. FRL 204L’s new home is Severtson Land and Cattle, Innisfail, AB. He sold for $9,000.00. Lot 1 HL CC Duchess 8L an own daughter of SLC Velocity 14C. She is the total package to make a great female. Once the hammer fell at $10,000, she made her way to her new home of Fir River Livestock, Hudson Bay, SK. Lot 6 - 5 Semen packages (10 straws each) –FRL Hennessey 711H. This up and coming great herdsire was the talk of the sale with interest from all over Canada. Foursquare Farms from Carstairs, AB swept the ring purchasing all 50 straws for $350 each. Watch for great things in the future from this herdsire. The Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance would like to thank all of the bidders and buyers along with all those that attended both in person and online. The 2024 sale date is December 14, 2024. See you in Moose Jaw.
Page 48 GG Spring 2024
GAABC Junior Incentive The Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC is extremely proud of the Junior Incentive program, which continues to grow each year! In 2023, we had 31 juniors enter the draw, with a total of 149 entries. The junior incentive breeders’ purse was a total of $2,900, which was split into two draws plus a third draw of $1,000 from the AB/ BC association. The first draw winner of $1,450 was Chase Loren. Chase purchased CK Kala 71K from Brittain Farms. The second draw winner of $1,450 was Raleigh Little. Raleigh purchased GCC Linda 1L from Milne’s Gelbvieh. The third draw winner of $1000 was Shelby Horn. Shelby purchased SLF Kraken 67K from Silver Line Farm. If you are interested in contributing to the breeders purse or are a junior with a Gelbvieh project and would like to enter contact Olivia Koziak at koziaklandandcattle@gmail.com or 780-835-0264. Entries open for the 2024 draw on January 1st, 2024. Best of luck to all our Gelbvieh juniors. Keep up the hard work and promoting our breed! Don’t forget to send us your photos!
I’m Chase Loren and I won one of the breeders purse credits. I have been wanting to start my own purebred herd for a couple years and finally got the chance to. I purchased a really nice bred heifer from Brittain Farms and have plans to take her as a pair down the show road. I would like to say thank you to all the breeders who donate to the junior incentive, it gave me the opportunity to purchase a heifer I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to get my hands on. My name is Raleigh Little And I received one of the 3 Wish List credits to purchase one of the heifers or bred heifers from the 2023 wishlist Gelbvieh sale. I received one of the $1450 sale credits. I was so happy when they called my name so I can purchase another heifer and show her in some shows along the way. This is what I love about the wishlist sale as the calves are mostly halter broke and ready to go to the shows, I love talking with all the breeders and getting a feel for which heifer will suit me and my family’s program best. I’m just starting my mini Gelbvieh herd up and i’m so excited to add to my herd GCC Linda 1L aka her new name Ginger from Milnes Gelbvieh thank you so Much to Bev and Harold Milne for offering this beautiful heifer to the wishlist I can’t wait to show her and I would also like to thank all the sponsors that make it possible to get one of these sale credits.
Chase Loren
Raleigh Little
My name is Shelby Horn. When I heard I had won the sale credit I was jumping out of my seat. Honestly I couldn’t believe I won it for the second time. I ended up buying a bred heifer from Silverline Farms and I love her! I can’t wait until she has her calf. The Gelbvieh breed has welcomed and supported me so much and I wouldn’t be here without them. I would like to thank the AB/BC Gelbvieh Association for sponsoring the credit and giving me the opportunity to purchase out of the sale. I’m so excited to see my herd grow and see what I can do in future years to come. Shelby Horn GG Spring 2024 Page 49
News & Notes C C I A S ay s Fa r ewe l l to L o n g S e r v i n g G e n e r a l M a n a g e r January 1, 2024 - Calgary, AB - The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) bid a fond farewell to its long serving General Manager Anne Brunet-Burgess. Anne joined the CCIA as GM in 2015 and since then has led the organization through several important milestones, as well as enhancing the Agency’s reputation within the industry. Recognized for her knowledge and passionate advocacy of Canada’s traceability program for livestock, Anne has overseen a number of major initiatives, including the opening of the CCIA’s wholly owned and operated National Distribution Centre in Calgary, which distributed over 4 million RFID tags across Canada in its first full year of operation. Other achievements include the expansion of the CCIA’s value added services which have been driven by the Agency’s impressive data solution and management expertise gained from its knowledge and experience in developing the Canadian Livestock Traceability System (CLTS) database. Through this, the CCIA has become the sole verifier for Chain of Custody (CoC) services for the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) and performs a similar role for one of Canada biggest beef processors, Cargill. Chair of CCIA’s Board, Lyle Miller, said: “Anne will be hugely missed by both staff and board members at CCIA, her contribution to industry over the last eight years through the CCIA has been truly amazing. We are very sad to see her leave, but we all wish her nothing but the very best for the future.” Anne leaves the CCIA to join the agriculture division of MNP; news regarding her successor will be published in due course.
G A A B C s e r ve s ove r 1 , 0 0 0 p e o p l e a t t h e Pe n S h ow It was a great first day at the Medicine Hat Pen Show. The GAABC had 1250 people come and sample Gelbvieh Steak during the Steak Fry competition on Friday night. Among the crowds was Premier Danielle Smith, who stopped to ask questions about the Gelbvieh breed. Thank you to Don, Cody and Amanda Girling, Lorna Okell, and Peggy Purves for grilling the steaks and serving the crowds. What great representation and promotion of the Gelbvieh breed. The Canadian Gelbvieh Association is also a proud sponsor of this event and we have a banner on display at the Wash Racks. Although the event is close to Christmas, the trade show along with 4-H showing draws a lot of cattle producers to the fun event.
C G A D i r e c to r D u n c a n Pe a r s o n we l c o m e s Au s t r a l i a n G u e s t s to t h e Wish List. The Canadian Gelbvieh Association presented the 9 Australian visistors with 50th Anniversary belt buckles and wished them well on their travels throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta, touring purebred Gelbvieh operations. Pictured L to R: Duncan Pearson, Brian Kaddatz, Jasmin Kaddatz, Amy Stuart, Frank Kaddatz, Chris Braithwaite Page 50 GG Spring 2024
H a r vey M c l a c h l a n 19 4 0 - 2 0 2 3
The family of Harvey Earl McLachlan, of Olds, Alberta, is deeply saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, September 21 after a brief hospital stay at 83 years of age. He is survived by his current wife of 19 years, Margaret Willert, his children from his first marriage; daughters Marilyn McLachlan and Michele (Stu) Wheeler and son, Bryan (Connie) McLachlan, four grandchildren - Marla, Gabriel, Kyla and Joshua, his sisters Oma and Barbara, as well as many sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Marg’s children, Jane Milson (Joe Bass), Jim (Laura-Lee) Willert and Scott (Rhonda) Willert, her 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren will also miss Harvey. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Frank and Dorothy McLachlan, special Auntie Edna and Uncle Ford Norman, brother Bill and his first wife of 37 years, Margaret (Pemberton). Harvey was born in 1940 and raised in Fairview, Alberta. After being orphaned at age 6, he chose to live and be raised by his Uncle Ford and Auntie Edna along with cousins, Shirley, Lea and Garry. He attended the University of Alberta along with his brother, Bill, attaining a B. Sc in Agriculture in 1963. He began teaching at Fairview College shortly thereafter. Through his sister Oma, he met his first wife Margaret Pemberton, and they were married in April 1964. They settled in the Scotswood area to raise their family until 1988, when they moved to Olds where he continued to teach at Olds College, after 25 years teaching at Fairview College. Along with teaching, he farmed both grain and cattle. In the early 1970s, he (along with friends Lou Beaulieu, John Milne, Jim Henderson and George Webber) began importing purebred Gelbvieh cattle into Canada, including the first bull, “Canadian Pioneer”. That cattle lineage continues to this day. Harvey enjoyed sports. He was active in sports throughout his lifetime, playing hockey with the Fairview Monarchs/ Elks in the winter and baseball in the summer. After 30 years of teaching, he retired in 1994 and took up golf. He celebrated his only hole in one in a golf tournament, earning him a new Ford Mustang car, his first and only sportscar. He was an avid Edmonton Oiler and Elks (Eskimos) fan, enjoyed watching the Blue Jays, the Masters and, on a more personal level, his grandchildren’s judo and ringette events. The real sport he excelled at during retirement was meeting his buddies for coffee at the local A&W, sometimes twice a day!
Gary Louis Latimer 19 4 9 - 2 0 2 3
Gary was born in Olds, AB on November 16, 1949 and was the second of six children of Louis and Jean Latimer. Gary was raised on the family farm south of Olds where he developed a passion for agriculture, especially purebred cattle. In 1976, along with Jacci, they joined with his parents and brother Bryan in a partnership that would become one of the most recognized Hereford and Angus herds in the world under the name Remitall Cattle Co. In 2009, Gary and his son Richard partnered in Remitall Farms focusing on Angus cattle. Gary was recognized as a respected cattleman where he was asked to judge cattle shows in South America, Europe, USA, and across Canada. Gary served as President of the Canadian Angus Association, President of the Canadian Gelbvieh Association, President of the Alberta Hereford Association, and President of the Olds Agricultural Society. In 1973 he would marry the love of his life Jacci and they would go on to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2023. Together they would raise four children (Michael, Richard, Jeff, and Sara) on the farm in Olds. In 2005 the first grandchild arrived, and Gary fully embraced his role as a grandfather ‘Papa’. Along with Jacci they attended countless hockey games and other sporting and youth events. Gary was a true family man and who was kind, nurturing and provided honest guidance when needed. Gary is predeceased by his parents Louis & Jean Latimer and father and mother-in-law Jack & Lil Cruickshank. He is survived by his wife Jacci; children Michael (Kajal) Latimer, Richard (Kelly) Latimer, Jeff (Danielle) Latimer, Sara (Dusty) Howell; twelve grandchildren: Jack, Alix, Lauren, Lilly, Nick, Mya, Louis, Sadee, Reed, Ella, Gordon and Ripp; siblings: Linda (d. Doug) Henderson, Marlene (Ian) Harvie, Nancy Latimer, Bryan (Annette) Latimer, and Elaine (Greg) Urwin; along with numerous nieces and nephews. GG Spring 2024 Page 51
AD Index
Alberta Prime Beef ...........................................................54 AKS Ranch ..........................................................................37 American Gelbvieh Association ......................................54 Bar GR Gelbvieh ................................................................54 BNH Livestock ..............................................................18,54 Bow Valley Genetics ..........................................................54 Brittain Farms ..............................................................18,55 Common Ground Gelbvieh Bull Sale ..............................10 Cowlick Ranch ...................................................................19 Davidson Gelbvieh ............................................................BC Dayspring Cattle ................................................................55 Diamond Z Livestock ........................................................56 Don Oberg ..........................................................................54 Eyot Valley Ranch ..............................................................55 Fir River Livestock ...........................................................IBC Fladeland Livestock ....................................................25,56 Flatland Ranch ..................................................................55 Foursquare Farms .............................................................33 Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC .......................................52 Goodview Gelbvieh ............................................................15 Green Acres Cattle Co. ......................................................55 Heartland Livestock, Swift Current SK ...........................54 Hill Top Gelbvieh ................................................................55 H.S. Knill Co. Ltd. ...............................................................54 Jen-Ty Gelbviehs .............................................................4,55
Page 52 GG Spring 2024
JSJ Livestock ......................................................................35 Keriness Cattle Co. ............................................................55 Koziak Land & Cattle ..................................................22,55 Lass Gelbvieh .....................................................................54 Lonesome Dove Gelbvieh ................................................BC ManSask Gelbvieh Association .......................................13 Maple Grove Gelbvieh .......................................................56 Milne’s Gelbvieh ..........................................................11,55 Nelson Gelbvieh .................................................................55 Neogen Canada .................................................................14 Olds College (TACLP) .........................................................39 Overby Stock Farm ............................................................23 Pearson Farms ..................................................................55 Prairie Hills Gelbvieh .....................................................7,54 Rocky Top Gelbvieh ...........................................................55 RPS Gelbvieh ...............................................................48,56 Severtson Land & Cattle .................................................IBC Silver Line Cattle Company ........................................28,56 Sky Greens Canada ...........................................................32 Thackeray Land & Cattle ..................................................58 Twin View Livestock .......................................................3,56 Unger Land & Livestock ...................................................56 Wade Davidson ..................................................................52 Winder’s Golden Gelbvieh ................................................56
Events
Feb 10 - Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Annual Bull Sale, At the Ranch, Dickinson ND
vieh Bull Sale, DLMS Farmgate Timed Auction, Hartney MB
Feb 17 - Thackeray Land & Cattle Bull Sale with Select Commercial Females, Goodwater Hall, Goodwater SK
March 13 - Fladeland Livestock & Twin View Livestock Bull Sale, Moose Jaw SK
Feb 28 - Milne’s Gelbvieh 31st Annual Bull Sale Opening Day, Private Treaty Barn Auction, Fairview AB March 1 - 35th Anniversary Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch Bull Sale, At our sale barn, Ponteix SK
March 14&15 - Common Ground Gelbvieh Bull Sale, Olds Auction Mart, Olds AB March 22 - Sunville Simmentals / Overby Stock Farm Bull Sale, McCreary MB
March 1 - Herd Assessment 1st Installment Due
March 24 - Best of the Breeds Bull Sale, Heartland Livestock Services, Yorkton SK
March 4 - Severtson Land & Cattle 31st Annual Bull Sale, At the Ranch, Innisfail AB
May 1 - Booking Deadline for Summer Gelbvieh Guide
March 5&6 - Jen-Ty Gelbviehs Annual Bull Sale, Online DLMS Farmgate Timed Auction, Duchess AB
Junior Scholarship Application Deadline
May 15 - Content Deadline for Summer Gelbvieh Guide
March 8&9 - Gelbvieh Advantage Bull Sale, Online DLMS Farmgate Timed Auction
July 25 to 27 - National Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Assocaition Show
March 9&10 - Last Chance JSJ Livestock Online Gelb-
July 27 - Canadian Gelbvieh Association AGM
C a n a d ian G elbv i eh Assoc i at i on N ot i ce of Annua l G enera l Meet i n g July 27th at 9:00AM MST, Stettler AG Society Grounds, Stettler AB A block of rooms is available at the Ramada Stettler under Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Show
1. The CGA Constitution may be amended at any General meeting of the Association by affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
members present, but no amendment shall be valid until approved by the Minister of Agriculture of Canada and filed at the Department of Agriculture of Canada. 2. Notice of all proposed amendments shall be signed by two members in good standing and submitted to the Association at least forty five days in advance of a General Meeting and they shall be included in the Notice calling such meeting, otherwise the meeting shall have no power to deal with the same. 3. The Meeting has only power to deal with the Article and selection as stated in the Notice calling such meeting. Members wishing to submit amendments to the CGA by-laws are requested to forward them to the CGA office by June 12th including the names of the active member moving the said changes and the seconder. Copies of CGA bylaws are available on request and are published on the CGA website. Advertising Content The Gelbvieh Guide assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of submitted advertising copy, and has the right to refuse any ad copy or photos. Advertisers shall indemnify and hold harmless the Guide containing pedigrees or statements regarding performance must conform to records kept by the Canadian Gelbvieh Association. Copy deviating from official records may be changed as necessary without advertiser consent. Editorial Polilcy Opinions expressed are the writers and not necessarily those of the Gelbvieh Guide or Canadian Gelbvieh Association. Photos are welcome, but no responsibility is assumed during transit or while in the office. Publisher’s Statement: All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher.
CANADIAN GELBVIEH A S S O C I AT I O N
per formance production profit
Layout & Publishing by: Canadian Gelbvieh Association 5160 Skyline Way NE Calgary, AB T2E 6V1 403-250-8640 gelbvieh@gelbvieh.ca Printed by: Western Litho Printers Regina, SK Canada Mailed under permit number 40012883 Canadian Publication Agreement Return underliverable Canadian addresses to: Canadian Gelbvieh Association 5160 Skyline Way NE Calgary, AB T2E 6V1
Advertising Rates Full page .........................................$850 Half page ........................................$500 Quarter page ...................................$300 Business card ...................................$60 Conract Advertisers, putting an ad in all three issues in a given year, receive 15% discount on all ads.
Contact the CGA to book advertising space. Advertising Sizes Full page 8.5”(w) x 11”(h) Half page 7.5”(w) x 5”(h) Quarter page 3.65”(w) x 5”(h) Business card 3.5”(w) x 1.25”(h)
GG Spring 2024 Page 53
Business Directory Industry Partners
This Spot Could Be Yours $180 / Year United States
British Columbia
This Spot Could Be Yours $180 / Year Alberta
Page 54 GG Spring 2024
This Spot Could Be Yours $180 / Year
Gelbvieh Genetics For Sale Chuck & Jenn Williams 403-854-6270 flatlandranch.com
Kert & Cindy Ness 403-860-4634 kertness@shaw.ca
Jonus Cattle Co. Joe Ness 403-852-7332 jonuscattle@gmail.com
pe a r s o ngr ai n an dcat t le @ gm ai l.com
GG Spring 2024 Page 55
Business Directory Alberta
Saskatchewan
Z Follow us on Facebook!
DIAMOND Z LIVESTOCK Purebred Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls and Females for sale off the farm RYAN ZALINKO GRANT ZALINKO
PH 306-536-6057 PH 306-776-2425
ROULEAU, SK
Manitoba
This Spot Could Be Yours $180 / Year
Breed Gelbvieh
Purchase tags through the CCIA webstore or by phone. tags.canadaid.ca 1-877-909-2333 Allflex & ComfortEar brands available in lots of 25 or 100.
Page 56 GG Spring 2024
Photo Contest
Congratulations 2023 Winners
Orange Tag Winner JML Farms, Lamont AB Cow/Calf Winner Koziak Land & Cattle, Star AB
Commercial Gelbvieh Influence Winner Koziak Land & Cattle, Star AB Artistic Winner - Cowlick Ranch, Olds AB
Herd Winner - Lost N Found Livestock, Breton AB
Bull Winner Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK GG Spring 2024 Page 57
Online Bidding Available www.dlms.ca
Ian 306.861.7687
Kirk 306.222.8210
Fir River Jade 805J with calf Fir River Lazer 204L 2023 Agribition Grand Champion Balancer Female
Fir River Lazer 204L 2023 Agribition Reserve Champion Balancer Bull
Darcy & Renee Hrebeniuk Colt & Kenzie Hudson Bay, SK | 306-865-7859 | firriver@sasktel.net gelbviehworld.com David Hrebeniuk 306-865-6603